Filipina teen named as ‘Outstanding Social Venture Presenter’ in New York

Filipina teen named as ‘Outstanding Social Venture Presenter’ in New York

18-year old Filipina teen from Bicol province, Louise Mabolo, earned a spot at the “Five Outstanding Social Venture Presenter” during the United Nation Youth Assembly, held on February 1-3 in New York.

Bicolana teen chef Louise Mabolo

Mabolo presented the “cacao” and its relevance to the Filipino farmers before a panel of judges during the “Resolution Project Social Venture Challenge.”

In an article from Philippine Information Agency, Mabolo said that it was all unexpected.

“I was teary-eyed, because I didn’t expect that they will like it. I came forward with the humble plan and there were people from all over the world coming with ways to solve health, promote women empowerment and I came with agriculture. Surprisingly, they picked me as one of the top five outstanding social venture presenters and I completely didn’t expect that.”

Mabolo got his cacao inspiration from his father, Camarines Sur Mayor Fermin Mabolo, who introduced cacao farming to empower indigenous farmers in the municipality. According to Mabolo, the cacao project aims to provide the local farmers with short and long terms of income, educate the local growers how to farm sustainably, reforest barren plots of land, create awareness about to add diversity to their crops, and increase the purchasing powers of the farmers.

Out of 300 participants coming from 69 countries, Mabolo was one of the lucky ones to present their social venture project. This presentation from Mabolo has earned her a Lifetime Fellowship offer from the Resolution Project where she will receive funding, mentorship, and will be provided global ecosystem of resources that she needs to implement her proposal.

Aside from her compelling leadership and advocacy skills, Louise is also good in writing, archery, and does charity works. She is currently serving as Ambassador of Operation Smile, Breville Philippines, and a UN Youth Ambassador for Disaster and Risk Reduction Management.